Furniture

Each week for the month of October we’re giving away one of our most popular items over the last 40 years we’ve been in business.

What products or styles of furniture would you like to see Manchester Wood make in the next 40 years?

By answering this question, in either the comments section here below, on our Facebook wall, or mentioning it to us on Twitter @manchesterwood, you’ll be entered to win the random raffle drawing conducted each Saturday morning during the month of October.

October 1-7

In the first week, we’ll be giving away our Multipurpose Cart & End Table. This item started off as a pine vegetable bin in our Plain Country collection in 1983. The design was inspired by an antique Ferrier’s toolbox found in the barn of our founder Cliff Pierce. Collaborating with a Crate & Barrel buyer at the time; they liked the concept, but wanted it to have open shelving from both sides and added casters for mobility. The new design became our Multipurpose Cart. We made it as an exclusive item for Crate & Barrel’s housewares department for the next year finding much success.

L.L. Bean then picked it up, modified the design some more, and ran it as “Bean’s Table Cart,” which went on to sell over 20,000 units the following year.

Today, as Vermont Country Store now states in their catalog version we offer them, it’s an “everywhere table,” and it truly is. We’ve boasted it as having 101 uses for the last 33 years, and the timeless appeal in design and function continues today.

October 8-14

For the second week, we’ll be giving away our Mission Underwindow Bookshelf. A newer item in our classic best sellers. The Mission Underwindow Bookshelf came out in the early ’90’s. We were developing our first Mission style furniture collection at the time, and felt a basic stand that would fit under-the-window would solve a difficult place to find furniture in. It’s been used for plants as well as a bookshelf and storage. With an adjustable shelf, it added a “multi-function” to the piece.

A Solutions buyer stated that after carrying it for over 20 years in their catalog, that it was her “favorite furniture piece of all time,” and they still offer a version of it today. It went on to L.L. Bean in their own variation, which also continues to sell well today.

The Mission Underwindow Bookshelf has lived through some of the more trying times in American furniture making, yet still holds up as a classic best-seller for filling a need in an unsuspecting place around the home.

“Cliff’s version of the Adirondack Chair produced in his Manchester Wood facility, was introduced at the Chicago Housewares Trade Show in 1984. Company Reps from L.L.Bean became interested in the new Adirondack Chair. They asked for the design to be made a bit more traditional, with wider arms and seat legs, and a tapered back. “But,” they told Cliff, “Keep the folding idea!”

From this collaboration, L.L.Bean’s Folding Wooden Adirondack Chair was born, debuting in their catalog during the spring of 1985.

Over the years Manchester Wood has become famous for its quality solid wood construction, durability and ease of storage. It remains the perfect finishing touch for beach and lake houses, porches, decks, patios and many other outdoor spaces. Cliff’s company has continued to design and manufacture the wood version of the chairs in the USA exclusively [for many top American retailers around the country].”

October 22-28

For the final week in our #4for40Giveaway series, we’re offering the best-selling item over the first 40 years we’ve been in business: A set of 4 Tray Tables.

We started with a pine set in 1976, called the “Deluxe TV Tray Table Pine Set of 4.” It was far more folksy Americana in its design compared to today; and at the time it was the largest product we produced – size wise.

By the mid-80’s we had introduced a hardwood set as part of our “Snack Table Collection,” which offered up Tray Table sets we made in both pine and oak, for companies like J.C. Penney, Service Merchandise, and Crate & Barrel.

Today, our best-selling version is the Contemporary Folding TV Tray Table Set of 4 (pictured as our giveaway item). It’s made in solid Ash hardwood (and Cherry hardwood!), with a smooth double glide design that facilitates easier folding and storage.

The days of TV trays primarily used as “snack tables” have changed into days of portable work desks, a play table for the kids on the couch, and a life on-the-go.

What products or styles of furniture would you like to see Manchester Wood make in the next 40 years?

By answering this question, whether commenting on this blog, writing it on our Facebook wall, or mentioning it to us on Twitter @manchesterwood, you’ll be entered to win the drawing each week! Good luck! Thank you for your continued business!

We’ve compiled a curated list from a recent HGTV post on home decor do’s and dont’s. What we came up with are 7 home decor solutions, mixed in with a few of our products, we think you’ll find helpful.

1. Gallery Wall

Display your favorite photos in a gallery wall and switch them out whenever you’d like. You can organize the rest of your photos in albums by decade or event, and keep them nicely arranged on a bookshelf.

2. Stylish Accent Pieces

Use accents to incorporate the look you enjoy without being overwhelming. If you have a house in the mountains and love the beach, display a collection of seashells or coral in or on a bookcase or end table instead of designing an entire beach-style room.

3. Updated Hardware

Make small changes like switching the hardware on your kitchen or bath cabinets for a big impact.

4. Balance Furniture Pieces

Use something light made of glass or with legs, and add a tall, thin floor lamp to help bring your eye up and make it more dynamic. Be sure to keep your furniture arrangements balanced to the eye.

5. Inviting Yet Elegant

If you have the space, use it. Give your room a function, make it livable and ensure it’s welcoming.

6. Hidden Storage

Invest in stylish storage baskets on a bookcase or shelf to keep small objects in their proper spot, or add an armoire for extra hidden storage.

7. Buy Right-Sized Furniture

Follow these tips to avoid buying furniture that doesn’t fit:
1. Draw a to scale floor plan or purchase a room design kit so you can find the best layout without moving heavy furniture.
2. Embrace “less is more”, and don’t try to put too much into any space.
3. Measure the room before buying furniture pieces, and you’ll decrease the chances of making a mistake.